According to the 1881 Revised Statutes of Indiana, county coroners held inquests over any dead body supposed to have come to his or her death by violence or casualty within the county. Coroners examined witnesses to answer questions under oath about the death and sometimes questioned physicians about the post-mortem examination. After hearing all the testimony, the coroner would make a verdict about the death in writing. The coroner would also make a descriptive report of the deceased, including the name (if determined), a minute description of the person, and any money or valuables found with the body.

This index includes Fayette County Coroner’s Inquests Volume 1, covering 1891 to 1907.

Additional details about the deceased may be found in county and state death records.

Digital copies of the records found in this index can be requested by visiting the Records Request Page.